How to visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Handy tips

• Book early: Tickets often sell out 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during holidays and themed events. Walk-ins aren’t allowed.
  
• Arrive early: Get there 20–30 minutes before your slot to clear security. Late arrivals may be denied entry, as time slots are strictly enforced.
  
• Pack light: Bags larger than 40×30×20 cm aren’t permitted. Avoid sharp items, pepper spray, liquids over 100ml, and anything flagged by airport-style checks.
  
• Choose quieter times: Midweek mornings offer fewer crowds and shorter queues compared to weekends and school holidays.
  
• Save energy for photo ops: Some of the best photography zones, like the Hogwarts Castle model, the Forbidden Forest, and Platform 9¾, are toward the end. Expect light crowd build-up there, so conserve time (and mobile battery!) for these highlights.

Know before booking your Studio Tour tickets

• Access to the Studio Tour always includes transfers from London, ensuring hassle-free travel to and from the location.
  
• Your standard tickets come with timed access, which helps you avoid long entry queues. Book 2-4 weeks ahead in peak season to secure early time slots, as these offer the longest exploration window before the site gets crowded.
  
• Choosing between coach and train transfers depends on your preferred route: coaches run directly from central London to the studio, providing a straightforward journey, while trains are faster but involve a transfer from Euston to Watford and a shuttle transfer from there to the studio.
  
• For a more immersive experience, you can opt for a small group guided tour (up to 8 guests). Guides provide exclusive behind-the-scenes insights that enrich your visit.
  
• You can maximize your day by pairing the Studio Tour with a guided trip to Oxford, which includes end-to-end coach transfers, free time at both locations, and expert-led tours through Oxford’s colleges.

Facilities

• Audio guides – Rent one at the entrance foyer to enjoy extra behind-the-scenes stories and film trivia as you explore at your own pace.
  
• Cloakroom – Free bag and coat check available near the main entrance before you begin your tour. Large luggage and food items aren’t accepted.
  
• Restrooms – Conveniently located in the main foyer and mid-tour near the Backlot Café. Families can use accessible and baby-changing facilities in both areas.
  
• Gift shop – Visit the Studio Shop at the end of the tour for exclusive merchandise, including replica wands, robes, and collectibles.
  
• Cafés & kiosks – Choose from the Food Hall and Backlot Café for meals, Butterbeer, and snacks before or after the main tour. Picnic area also available.

Visiting with family

• Baby-changing & parent room: Baby-changing stations are located in each toilet block, plus a dedicated parent & baby room next to the Backlot Café with a nursing chair, changing tables and hot water for bottles. 
  
• Pushchairs & strollers: Pushchairs and buggies are allowed but can also be stored in the cloakroom (free of charge) if you prefer to walk around unencumbered.
  
• Family-friendly cafés: Cafés and snack bars are positioned at the start and mid-point of the tour (in the foyer and by the Backlot Café), making it easy for families to grab a meal or break.

Rules and restrictions

• Entry is only allowed with a valid timed-ticket; you are advised to arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of your slot to minimise risk of denied access.
  
• Large bags, suitcases or rucksacks will be subject to security screening; oversized items may be refused entry.
  
• Handheld photography and mobile filming is permitted in most areas; however, it is not allowed in the security screening zone, pre-show cinema or green-screen experience areas.
  
• Tripods, specialist camera equipment, drones and other professional filming gear are prohibited.
  
• Consumption of food and drink is only permitted in designated café/food hall areas; outside food items are discouraged within the main tour route.
  
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the building or main tour route; any such activity must be in designated outdoor areas.
  
• Service animals (registered assistance dogs) are allowed with prior notification; pets and unregistered animals are not permitted on site.
  
• Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (aged 16+) for the duration of the visit.
  
• The tour route is one-way only; once you move past a section you cannot return to it.

Insider tips

• Book your ticket well in advance and secure the slot you want. Tickets are known to sell out quickly and problems with payment systems have been reported, especially from non-UK cards.
  
• Allow at least 4 hours, ideally 5–6 hours, to explore. Many early-slotted visitors found that arriving later left them feeling rushed.
  
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Parts of the route are outdoors or less heated; many visitors felt under-prepared for the cooler areas.
  
• Use the mid-tour café stop to regroup. The Backlot Café is your break-point, visit the restrooms and eat then, because once you move on, you can’t turn back.
  
• Make photo-ops at the major sets count (Great Hall, broomstick green-screen, Hogwarts model). Staff photographers are present; if you skip one, the next one will still be there, no need to rush every detail.
  
• If using public transport, factor in delays. The train-to-Watford Junction + shuttle is faster but you still need buffer time. If you’re driving, allow for traffic on the M1/M25 corridor, especially at peak hours.
  
• Consider skipping extras like digital guides or kits unless you’re really into the film-making side. Some visitors feel they don’t add much value for the cost.